Cabinet system

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed towards cabinet systems. One system includes a cover panel, a cover panel securing device and a support securing device. Another system includes a bottom rail, a left side rail, a right side rail, a top rail and a panel configured for placement within a groove of the bottom rail top face, a groove of the top rail bottom face, a groove of the left side rail right face and a groove of the right side rail left face.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates generally to the field of cabinet systems. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a cabinet system that allows for interchangeability of certain surfaces of the cabinet system.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The appearance of typical cabinets, once installed in a home, is very difficult to change. If an owner wants to change the appearance of their cabinets, for example by changing the doors of the cabinets, it is typically not possible to just buy new doors because the remaining surface of the cabinet would be the previous appearance and the new door may not have the same type hinge or same placement of hinge. Also, the purchase of entire new doors would be quite costly and would require a lengthy period of time to replace.

Replacement of entire cabinet doors could also require a difficult installation process of replacing hinges and other hardware, which could be beyond a customer's skill or desire.

What is desired is a cabinet system that allows a user to easily change the appearance of the doors easily at a reduced cost.

Embodiments of the present application provide a system that addresses the above and other issues.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present application is directed towards cabinet systems. One system includes a cover panel, a cover panel securing device and a support securing device. Another system includes a bottom rail, a left side rail, a right side rail, a top rail and a panel configured for placement within a groove of the bottom rail top face, a groove of the top rail bottom face, a groove of the left side rail right face and a groove of the right side rail left face.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by reference to the following drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is cross section view of a first cabinet system embodiment

FIG. 2 is a front view of a second cabinet system embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a vertical cross section view of a second cabinet system embodiment;

FIG. 3B is zoomed in view of the upper portion of a cross section view of a second cabinet system embodiment;

FIG. 3C is zoomed in view of the lower portion a cross section view of a second cabinet system embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal cross section view of a second cabinet system embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the second cabinet system embodiment with a modified top rail; and

FIG. 5B is a horizontal cross section of the second cabinet system embodiment with the modified top rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed towards a cabinet system 1, as illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a left hand side view of a cross section of cabinet system 1. Cabinet system 1 includes a cover panel 2, which has an exterior face 4 and an interior face 6. Once the cabinet system 1 is in use, the exterior face 4 can be seen by a user, such as a user in a kitchen.

Cabinet system 1 also includes a cover panel securing device 8. Cover panel securing device 8 is discussed further below. Cover panel securing device 8 is secured to the interior face 6 of cover panel 2 in any suitable way, including but not limited to at least one of the following examples a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive. Other means for securing cover panel securing device 8 to the interior face 6 of cover panel 2 may also be used. The cover panel securing device 8 is configured to affix the cover panel 2 to a cabinet panel 10.

Cabinet panel 10 includes an interior face 12 and an exterior face 14. Secured to the exterior face 14 of cabinet panel 10 is a cabinet panel securing device 16. The cabinet panel securing device 16 is configured to affix the cover panel 2 to the cabinet panel 10. Cabinet panel securing device 16 is discussed further below.

Cabinet panel 10 is fixed to a frame of a cabinet (not shown) in a permanent or semi-permanent manner, such as with a hinge. During use of cabinet system 1, cabinet panel 10 remains fixed to the cabinet frame at all times.

Cabinet system 1 also includes a support securing device 18. Support securing device 18 is configured to fasten to the cover panel 2 and to cabinet panel 10 in relation to eachother. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, support securing device 18 extends to cover a portion of interior face 12 of cabinet panel 10, a portion of a bottom face 13 of cabinet panel 10 and a portion of a bottom face 5 of cover panel 2. In other embodiments, support securing can be arranged in a different configuration so as to fasten to the cover panel 2 and to the cabinet panel 10.

Support securing device 18 can be fixed to the cover panel 2 and cabinet panel 10 in any suitable way, including but not limited to at least one of the following examples a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive. Other means for fixing support securing device 18 to the cover panel 2 and cabinet panel 10 may also be used. Although not shown, another securing device can be placed vertically on top of both cabinet panel 10 and cover panel 2, covering cover panel top surface 22 and cabinet panel top surface 24. This securing device can cover a portion of both cover panel top surface 22 and cabinet panel top surface 24, or all of the cover panel top surface 22 and cabinet panel top surface 24.

The cabinet panel securing device 16 of cabinet system 1 is configured to engage with cover panel securing device 8. Cabinet panel securing device 16 is secured to the exterior face 14 of cabinet panel 10 in any suitable way, including but not limited to at least one of the following examples a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive. Other means for securing cabinet panel securing device 16 to the exterior face 14 of cabinet panel 10 may also be used.

Cabinet panel securing device 16 and cover panel securing device 8 are configured to engage with each other and maintain cover panel 2 in relation to cabinet panel 10. Cabinet panel securing device 16 and cover panel securing device 8 are configured to engage with eachother in any suitable way, including but not limited to at least one of the following examples, offset brackets (as shown in FIG. 1), a hook and eyelet configuration, a suction cup configuration, through magnetic force, with an adhesive material, an extension and receiving bracket or slot or a hook and loop configuration. Other means for engaging cabinet panel securing device 16 with cover panel securing device 8 may also be used.

When the cabinet panel securing device 16 and cover panel securing device 8 are engaged with eachother, cover panel 2 is maintained in relation to cabinet panel 10. The thickness of space 20 between the cabinet panel securing device 16 and cover panel securing device 8 can vary depending on the type of cabinet panel securing device 16 and cover panel securing device 8 used. In some embodiments space 20 is large, in other embodiments space 20 is narrow. Included in this range of thicknesses is space 20 being less than about 0.5 inches, space 20 being less than about 0.25 inches and space 20 being less than about 0.1 inch. Space 20 can be modified based on specific design or use requirements.

As shown in FIG. 1, cover panel top surface 22 and cabinet panel top surface 24 are at differing heights, the cover panel top surface 22 is higher, further from supporting securing device 18, than cabinet panel top surface 24. In other embodiments cover panel top surface 22 and cabinet panel top surface 24 can be at the same height or cabinet panel top surface 24 can be higher, further from supporting securing device 18, than cover panel top surface 22. When cover panel top surface 22 is higher than cabinet panel top surface 24, a user can pull on the interior face 6 of cover panel 2 to open cabinet panel 10.

Each of cover panel 2, cover panel securing device 8, cabinet panel 10, cabinet panel securing device 16 and support securing device 18 can be formed of any suitable material, such as metals, plastics, wood and can be formed in any desired color. Each of cover panel 2, cover panel securing device 8, cabinet panel 10, cabinet panel securing device 16 and support securing device 18 can be formed of a single piece of material or they each may be formed of several pieces of material that are joined or positioned together.

As shown in FIG. 1, cabinet system 1 illustrates a base cabinet, which is typically placed below a counter height in a kitchen. In other embodiments, cabinet system 1 can be placed in a different orientation for use, such as a rotation so that support securing device 18 is on the vertical top of cover panel 2 and cabinet panel 10. In this configuration cover panel 2 can extend vertically below cabinet panel 10 and the exposed interior face 6 of cover panel 2 can be pulled by a user to open cabinet panel 10. In this configuration, cabinet system 1 can be used as a wall unit.

Another embodiment of a cabinet system 40 is shown in FIG. 2. Cabinet system 40 includes bottom rail 42. Bottom rail 42 comprises a bottom rail left side face 44, a bottom rail right side face 46 and a bottom rail top face 48. At least a portion of the bottom rail top face 48 comprises a groove (as shown in FIG. 3A and discussed below). The cabinet system 40 also includes a left side rail 50 that is configured to attach to the bottom rail 42. Left side rail 50 comprises a left side rail left side face 52 and a left side rail right side face 54, at least a portion of the left side rail right side face 54 comprises a groove (as shown in FIG. 4 and discussed below).

Cabinet system 40 also includes a right side rail 56 that is configured to attach to the bottom rail 42. Right side rail 56 comprises a right side rail right side face 58 and a right side rail left side face 60, at least a portion of the right side rail left side face 60 comprises a groove (as shown in FIG. 4 and discussed below). Cabinet system 40 also includes a top rail 62. Top rail 62 can be fixed to both the left side rail 50 and right side rail 56, or, top rail 62 can rest on top of a panel 66, which is discussed below. Top rail 62 comprises a top rail bottom face 64 with at least a portion of the top rail bottom face 64 comprising a groove (as shown in FIG. 3A and discussed below). In some embodiments top rail 62 is formed of one piece of material, in other embodiments, top rail 62 can be formed of two or more pieces of material that can be arranged together. For example, top rail 62 can be formed from two pieces, a top rail front portion 72 and a top rail rear portion 73. Top rail front portion 72 and top rail rear portion 73 can be connected to each other mechanically, with at least one of a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive, or top rail front portion 72 and top rail rear portion 73 rest in their respective positions. In some embodiments, top rail rear portion 73 extends vertically above top rail front portion 72, in other embodiments, top rail rear portion 73 is at the same height vertically as top rail front portion 72.

In embodiments where top rail 62 is fixed to the left side rail 50 and right side rail 56, the top rail front portion 72 can be fixed to panel 66, or both panel 66 and top rail 62, mechanically, with at least one of a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive. In this embodiment, extra material (not shown) can be placed on top of panel 66 so that the top surface of top rail 62, top rail front portion 72 and the additional material are all at substantially the same height. In other embodiments, a top surface of panel 66 can be at substantially the same height as top rail 62 and top rail front portion 72, in this embodiment, extra material can be positioned within a left side rail groove 57 and right side rail groove 55, further discussed below, so that the top of panel 66, the top surface of top rail 62, top rail front portion 72 and the additional material are all at substantially the same height.

When top rail front portion 72 and top rail portion 73 are arranged together, as shown in FIG. 3A, which is a cross section of cabinet system 40, a bottom rail groove 45 is formed in bottom rail top face 48 and is configured for placement of the panel 66 (which is further discussed below in reference to FIG. 2). A top rail groove 65 is formed in top rail bottom face 64 and is configured for placement of the panel 66. A top rail top groove 71 is formed in top rail top face 70. In one embodiment, a user will be able to open cabinet system 40, accessing the storage behind it, by pulling on rail top groove 71. For explanatory purposes only, FIG. 3B is a zoomed in view of the upper portion of the cross section of cabinet system 40 illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C is a zoomed in view of the lower portion of the cross section of cabinet system 40 illustrated in FIG. 3A

As shown in FIG. 4, which is a horizontal cross section of cabinet system 40, the left side rail groove 57 is formed in the left side rail right side face 54 of left side rail 50 and is configured for placement of the panel 66. The right side rail groove 55 is formed in the right side rail left side face 60 of right side rail 56 and is configured for placement of the panel 66.

Referring again to FIG. 2, cabinet system 40 includes the panel 66 that is configured for placement within the bottom rail groove 45, top rail groove 65, right side rail groove 55 and left side rail groove 57. In some embodiments panel 66 can be a single piece of material, in other embodiments, panel 66 can be several materials joined together or positioned together for placement within the bottom rail groove 45, top rail groove 65, right side rail groove 55 and left side rail groove 57.

Once panel is placed within bottom rail groove 45, right side rail groove 55 and left side rail groove 57, top rail front portion 72 and top rail rear portion 73 can then be placed so that panel 66 is within top rail groove 65. Top rail front portion 72 can rest on panel 66 or it can be secured using any suitable adhesive or mechanism. When top rail 62 is fixed to left side rail 50 and right side rail 56, panel 66 is between top rail 62 and top rail front portion 72. Panel 66, along with top rail 62, right side rail 56, left side rail 50 and bottom rail 42 can be formed of any suitable material, such as metals, plastics, wood and can be formed in any desired color. While in use, cabinet system 40 is typically affixed, such as with a hinge, along at least one of the left side rail 50 or the right side rail 56, to a cabinet structure.

As shown in FIG. 3A, top rail 62 can be configured so that a front top rail face 67 is shorter in height from panel 66 as compared to rear top rail face 69. In other embodiments, front top rail face 67 can be the same height from panel 66 as compared to rear top rail face 69 or front top rail face 67 can be the lower in height from panel 66 as compared to rear top rail face 69.

As shown in FIG. 2, the left side rail 50 comprises a first portion of the left side rail right side face 44, which is configured to attach to the bottom rail left side face 44, and a second portion of the left side rail right side face 54, which comprises left side rail groove 57. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, right side rail 56 also comprises a first portion of the right side rail left side face 60, which is configured to attach to the bottom rail right side face 46, and a second portion of the right side rail left side face 60, which comprises right side rail groove 55.

But, in other embodiments, left side rail 50 and right side rail 56 can be placed onto bottom rail top face 48. In these other embodiments the length of left side rail right side face 54 and right side rail left side face 60 include grooves and a portion of bottom rail top face not attached to left side rail 50 or right side rail 56 includes a groove.

Other modifications of the top rail are also contemplated. For example, cabinet system 40 can include a top rail 172, as illustrated in FIG. 5A. Top rail 172 can be configured so that a portion of the top rail 172 extends into the right side rail groove 55 and left side rail groove 57. In this embodiment top rail 172 can have an upper surface 173 that is smooth and at the same height as a top surface of left side rail 150 and a top surface of right side rail 156.

FIG. 5B illustrates a horizontal cross section of top rail 172. In this embodiment top rail 172 is secured to a back top rail section 174 with two screws 176. Screws 176 are illustrated for explanation purposes only, in other embodiments nothing secures top rail 172 to back top rail section 174, top rail 172 merely rests on panel 66, in other embodiments one or more of a bolt, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a magnet or an adhesive can secure top rail 172 to back top rail section 174.

Example 1

The following example describes one embodiment, and the use thereof, of the present disclosure and refers to the general embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1. In this example, a user has cabinet system 1 in their home kitchen. The user then decides to change the appearance of their home kitchen by changing the color and style of their cabinets. In this example, the left portion of cabinet panel 10 includes two hinges to secure cabinet system 1 to a cabinet frame. Initially, the user removes support securing device 18 from cover panel 2. In this embodiment, support securing device 18 remains secured to cabinet panel 10. In this embodiment, support securing device 18 includes screws driven into the bottom of cover panel 2 to fasten support securing device 18 to the cover panel 2.

Once the user removes the screws from support securing device 18 with a screw driver, the user is ready to remove cover panel 2. In this example cabinet panel securing device 16 and cover panel securing device 8 are configured as offset brackets that engage with eachother. To remove cover panel 2, the user lifts cover panel 2 vertically upward so that cover panel securing device 8 is disengaged from cabinet panel securing device 16.

Then, the user chooses a new cover panel that has the same or similar cover panel securing device. The user then lowers the new cover panel so that the new cover panel securing device engages with the cabinet panel securing device 16. Next, the user places the support securing device underneath new cover panel and the cabinet panel 10 to fasten the new cover panel and the cabinet panel to eachother. In this example the user uses the same screws that were removed previously and screws support securing device 18 into the new cover.

Now the new cover panel is visible to the user and the appearance of the user's kitchen is changed within a short amount of time and with minimal use of tools.

Example 2

The following example describes one embodiment, and the use thereof, of the present disclosure and refers to the general embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. In this example, a user has cabinet system 40 in their home kitchen. The user then decides to change the appearance of their home kitchen by changing the color and style of their cabinets. In this example, left side rail 50 includes a hinge to secure cabinet system 40 to a cabinet frame. Initially, the user removes top rail front portion 72 from cabinet system 40 by pulling vertically upward on top rail front portion 72 so that panel 66 exits top rail groove 65. In this example, top rail front portion 72 is just resting on panel 66 and is not adhered or secured to panel 66, left side rail 50 or right side rail 56.

Once top rail front portion 72 is removed, the user lifts panel 66 vertically upwards so that panel 66 exits left side rail groove 57, bottom rail groove 45 and right side rail groove 55. In this example, panel 66 is resting within left side rail groove 57, bottom rail groove 45 and right side rail groove 55 and is not adhered or secured to left side rail groove 57, bottom rail groove 45 or right side rail groove 55.

Once panel 66 is removed, and the user has chosen a new panel for installation, the new panel is lowered into bottom rail groove 45 along left side rail groove 57 and right side rail groove 55. Once the new panel is resting within bottom rail groove 45, the user places top rail front portion 72 on the new panel so that the new panel enters top rail groove 65.

The new cabinet system now can have a different appearance within a short amount of time and without the use of any machinery or tools.

The described embodiments and examples of the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and are not intended to represent every embodiment or example of the present disclosure. While the fundamental novel features of the disclosure as applied to various specific embodiments thereof have been shown, described and pointed out, it will also be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices illustrated and in their operation, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the disclosure may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Further, various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims both literally and in equivalents recognized in law. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A cabinet system, the system comprising; a cover panel, the cover panel having an exterior face and an interior face, a cover panel securing device, the cover panel securing device secured to the interior face of the cover panel, the cover panel securing device configured to affix the cover panel to a cabinet panel; and a support securing device, the support securing device configured to fasten to the cover panel and to the cabinet panel.
 2. The cabinet system of claim 1, further comprising a cabinet panel securing device secured to an exterior face of the cabinet panel, the cabinet panel securing device configured to affix the cover panel to the cabinet panel.
 3. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein the support securing device extends to cover a portion of an interior face of the cabinet panel, a portion of a bottom face of the cabinet panel and a portion of a bottom face of the cover panel.
 4. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein the cover panel securing device is fixed to the cover panel with at least one of a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive.
 5. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein the support securing device is fixed to the cabinet panel with at least one of a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive.
 6. The cabinet system of claim 2, wherein the cabinet panel securing device is fixed to the cabinet panel with at least one of a screw, a nail, a pin, a staple, a dowel, a bolt, a magnet and an adhesive.
 7. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein a space between the cover panel and the cabinet panel is less than about 0.5 inches.
 8. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein a space between the cover panel and the cabinet panel is less than about 0.25 inches.
 9. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein a space between the cover panel and the cabinet panel is less than about 0.1 inches.
 10. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein the cabinet panel comprises a cabinet panel securing device that is configured to engage with the cover panel securing device.
 11. The cabinet system of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the cover panel is further from the support securing device than a top surface of the cabinet panel.
 12. A cabinet system, the system comprising: a bottom rail, the bottom rail comprising a bottom rail left side face, a bottom rail right side face and a bottom rail top face, at least a portion of the bottom rail top face comprising a groove; a left side rail, the left side rail comprising a left side rail left side face and a left side rail right side face, the left side rail configured to attach to the bottom rail, at least a portion of the left side rail right side face comprising a groove; a right side rail, the right side rail comprising a right side rail left side face and a right side rail right side face, the right side rail configured to attach to the bottom rail, at least a portion of the right side rail left face comprising a groove; a top rail, the top rail comprising a top rail bottom face; and a panel configured for placement within the groove of the top rail bottom face, the groove of the left side rail right face and the groove of the right side rail left face.
 13. The cabinet system of claim 12, wherein the left side rail comprises a first portion of the left side rail right side face, the first portion of the left side rail right side face configured to attach to the bottom rail left side face, a second portion of the left side rail right side face comprising the groove; and wherein the right side rail comprises a first portion of the right side rail left side face, the first portion of the right side rail left side face configured to attach to the bottom rail right side face, a second portion of the right side rail left side face comprising the groove.
 14. The cabinet system of claim 12, wherein the top rail comprises a rear face and a front face and wherein at least one dimension of the rear face is longer than the same dimension of the front face.
 15. The cabinet system of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the top rail bottom face comprises a groove and the panel is configured for placement within the groove of the bottom rail top face.
 16. The cabinet system of claim 12, wherein a portion of the top rail is configured for placement with the groove of the left side rail right face and the groove of the right side rail left face. 